February 12, 2013

Unless it's an over the top trade, the Mavs should stand pat

DALLAS -- Here's why, unless it's an over the top deal, the Dallas Mavericks won't make a trade by the Feb. 21 trading deadline.

Unless an over the top deal is on the table that will immediately make Dirk Nowitzki the Mavs' second-best player, it makes absolutely no sense for them to make a trade. What's the point in making a lateral move, as Nowitzki recently said.

A lateral move may help get the Mavs the Western Conference's eighth seed, but also bounced in the first round of the playoffs by San Antonio or Oklahoma City. In addition, it may cost the Mavs some of that precious salary cap space they need to hang on to so they can make a serious run at Dwight Howard or whatever top-notch player becomes available during this summer's free agency period.

In other words, the Mavs just need to exercise some patience. With the way this year's squad has played -- not able to finish many games that are still there for the taking -- the Mavs are destined to get knocked out in the first round of the playoffs.

If they even get there.

The Mavs will carry a 22-29 record into Wednesday's home game against the Sacramento Kings. Nine new players and Nowitzki's right knee surgery has made this a most challenging season for the Mavs.

But making a trade just to make a trade to appease some fans isn't the answer. Unless it's an over the top trade that will immediately make Nowitzki the Mavs' second-best player.